We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Favie Chiu about their original and creative Design System design work. Favie Chiu is an award-winning communication designer, that makes our world a better place with their original design system works.
Favie Chiu ("FC") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work FNE Film Festival Design System. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
FC : The main principle and inspiration behind my design revolve around the visual narrative of a woman contemplating her life. She is depicted as feeling hesitant and apprehensive about making a change, yet surrounded by a vibrant and sparkling atmosphere filled with colorful possibilities. The key idea is to convey the message of courage and empowerment—to encourage the woman to be brave and embrace the unknown future ahead. The imagery of the woman pondering and gazing into the distance reflects the uncertainty of the future and the introspective nature of the journey she is undertaking.
FC : My main focus in designing this work has been on developing a cohesive visual design system and crafting a compelling key art story. I aimed to create a design that could be applied across various mediums, platforms, and materials while maintaining its integrity and effectiveness. Specifically for the film festival deliverables, I wanted to demonstrate the flexibility of the design system. Each product was designed to serve a meaningful purpose for the audience, with the intention that they would collect and appreciate them as mementos of the festival experience.
FC : I am planning on showing at Women in Design SF.
FC : Initially, it took me about 6 months to develop this particular concept. However, due to work and personal commitments, I set it aside for a while. In 2023, I revisited the project, reorganized and rearranged some of the designs, and completed the process in approximately 3 months.
FC : This is a self initiated conceptual project. I was inspired by Miranda July and really want to show my admiration of her film stories.
FC : No, It is a conceptual project. I am not planning on selling the project, but I would love to collaborate within this concept.
FC : What inspired me to design this particular type of work was my love for creating visual identities and key artwork for campaigns or events. When I watched Miranda's film "Me and You and Everyone We Know," I was instantly captivated by the story. It sparked the idea that it would be amazing if more people could discover and engage with her films, perhaps through a festival where film lovers could come together to share and discuss the meanings of the stories.
FC : Yes, April Greiman. I was particularly inspired by her bold use of color and collage-style designs. Her work gave me the idea of using bright colors and unknown shapes to convey the quirky and uncertain feelings expressed in Miranda July's film. Greiman's innovative approach to design encouraged me to experiment with unconventional visual elements to capture the essence of the story in my own work.
FC : Women in particular, and people who are interested in knowing Miranda July’s films.
FC : What distinguishes this film festival design from other similar concepts is its quirky and playful aesthetic, which effectively captures the essence of Miranda's unique style. Unlike designs that may directly depict the main characters or scenes from the films featured in the festival, this design focuses on a summarized idea inspired by Miranda's films. This approach adds a layer of abstraction and intrigue, setting it apart and making it more memorable for festival attendees.
FC : The name for this design, "Forever, Never, and Ever," was inspired by the key art story itself. It reflects the theme of uncertainty and contemplation, as the woman depicted in the design ponders her next move and considers her future. These three words encapsulate the range of emotions associated with such moments of decision-making. While "Never" may suggest hesitation or fear of change, "Forever" and "Ever" offer a sense of possibility and courage to embrace the present moment and seize opportunities. Ultimately, the name conveys the idea that the choice to act is transformative—it can lead to a life lived fully, where "Now" becomes both "Forever" and "Ever."
FC : Adobe CC, Figma, laser cut machine for prototyping, spray paint for some small elements and book binding for catalog.
FC : The most unique aspect of my design is its ability to encapsulate the essence of Miranda's style in a quirky and visually captivating manner. Instead of directly depicting the main characters or scenes from the films featured in the festival, the design offers a summarized representation inspired by Miranda's storytelling. This abstract approach adds a layer of intrigue and originality, setting it apart from more literal interpretations commonly found in similar festival designs.
FC : I collaborated with the laser cut shop staff to learn techniques for intricate designs. I also consulted friends with industrial design backgrounds for advice on prototyping and spray painting methods.
FC : Technology is integral to this design, particularly in prototyping and production. Laser cutting technology enabled intricate designs, while digital design software facilitated conceptualization and refinement.
FC : My design process was primarily driven by visual research and exploration rather than data or analytical research. I focused on gathering inspiration from various sources, including art, film, and literature, to inform the direction of the key art. This involved collecting mood boards, studying visual trends, and immersing myself in the aesthetic elements that resonated with the storytelling style of Miranda's films.
FC : Finding a common thread in Miranda's different films and getting the right materials for the prototype were big challenges. I had to do a lot of digging on materials and get creative to figure it all out.
FC : I decided to submit my design based on a suggestion of a friend. She encouraged me, mentioning that it would be great to let more people know about my work.
FC : During the designing of this work, I learned how to utilize various materials to create prototypes. Experimenting with different materials allowed me to effectively convey the mood and essence of the key art story. It was a journey of exploration to find the right physical materials and colors that complemented the digital designs. This experience not only improved my understanding of material properties but also enhanced my ability to translate digital concepts into tangible, tactile experiences.
